DJ Raz
This is how I'm set up and I have not had any problems using the software.
-----------------------------------------------------------
HARDWARE GUIDE
If you havent bought a laptop yet and you're basing your decision on cost, don't. Yes, a laptop is expensive. But if you're going to invest into it, might as well go all the way.
Afterall, if it ends up costing you and extra 800-1000$ to have a better and more stable system, well it's money you'll make back in 2-3 gigs. So it's well worth it, especially since the laptop will last you 3-5 years.
So I recommend:
-IBM T40 or better series
-1 Gig of Ram - for 250$ more, it's more than worth it.
-Echo Indigo DJ soundcard
-80 gigs or more of disk space (I regret my mistake of going with 40, which with everything installed and IBM backup files, is more like 27)
IBM also offers a great warranty, for about 200$...
If your laptop gets damaged (via defective parts, or even via accident, like spilling a drink all over it) they will show up on site the very next day to fix it for you.
One more selling point for IBM... they have all of the initial setup backed up on a hidden partition. So if you totally mess up your settings, you can reset the whole thing from scratch at the touch of a button. (though all your data will be wiped out; but it's good to know that you can always come back to square one without having to read manuals or call tech support)
Also, once you get your laptop, you'll want to get a keyboard protector.
I bought mine here: http://www.protectcovers.com/
They cost less than 20$ (with S/H) and they protect your laptop from drink spills, smoke, sweat, dust, etc...
Well worth it. (just don't get the screen protector)
You tell them your model and they'll send you the approriate protector.
--------------------------------------------------------
CONFIGURING WINDOWS
First a few notes:
I) I am using Service Pack 1. I have no plans of upgrading to service pack 2. So this guide is only valid for SP 1.
II) I strongly recommend dedicating your laptop to VDJ.
Never connect your machine to the web and never install antying else on it. The peace of mind it will bring you will be reward enough.
Ok on with the configuration:
0) NEVER connect your machine to the internet. I cant stress that enough. Windows is just so bad at network security, it's not worth getting a Worm on your system and finding out about it while running VDJ during a gig.
1) Disable Wireless Access.
- START BUTTON then Right click on My Computer and chose Properties
- Click on the Hardware Tab
- Click On Device Manager
- Under Network Adapters, find the one that says "wireless", right click on it and choose disable.
2) Disable then remove all things Norton if any are installed (and any other anti-virus)
- Right click on the Norton icon in your tray (bottom right)
- Choose disable / close
- Then click on START->SETTINGS->ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS and uninstall anything named Norton and any anti-virus.
3) Disable all start up programs:
- Click on START -> RUN
- Type in: msconfig.exe and click OK
- Click on the "Startup" tab.
- Uncheck everything that does not impact you running VDJ. (personally I have everything unchecked except "Launch", which is the Echo Indigo DJ config program that you need to have on)
- NOTE: you will see a "Services" tab also. DO NOT CHANGE ANY OF THE SERVICES via this tab. I'll get to them later.
- Once you unchecked everything you dont need, click OK then restart your system. When you reboot you might get a message saying it changed. Just check the checkbox and click OK.
4) Disabling Services
You'll want to disable all services that are not absolutely needed to run VDJ,
I only have 5 services running (and 4 others when I need to connect my laptop to my PC for local file transfers)
A good guide on window services is:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/Archive/service411.htm
(it's for SP1. There is another one on the site for SP2)
To disable services:
-Click on START -> Run
-Type in: services.msc
-Set to DISABLE everything you don't need, (though some you will need to set to manual) (do that by rightclicking a service, then choose properties, then chose, disable/manual/automatic)
Here is my setup:
AUTOMATIC
-Event Log
-Plug And Play
-Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
-Windows Audio
-Windows Management Instrumentation
and for networking purposes:
-DHCP Client
-Network Connections
-Server
-Workstation
MANUAL:
-Cryptographic Services (if when updating drivers you get errors, set this one back to automatic.)
-Application Management
-Help and Support
DISABLED:
-System Restore - MAKE SURE TO TURN THIS ONE OFF
-Indexing Service - MAKE SURE TO TURN THIS ONE OFF
-Task Manager
-Windows Update
All others, follow the guide in the link I posted, and chose whether you want them Manual or Disabled.
When done, close window and reboot.
If ever you install new software, you might wanna recheck that list. Some services tend to reset themselves back to automatic when you do changes to the system.
5) Other tweaks
5.1)
- START BUTTON then Right Click My Computer
- Chose properties
- Go to Advanced Tab
- under Performance click Settings
- In Visual Effects tab, choose: "Adjust for best performance"
- In Advanced Tab
- Udner processor scheduling: Check Programs
- Under Memory Usage: Check Programs
- Under Virtual Memory: Click Change
Then set the Initial and Max size to:
512 - If you have 256 MB of RAM
384 - If you have 512 MB of RAM or More
5.2) Disable Timestamping of files (which is done each time a program reads or writes to a file.) Up to you if you want to follow this tweak; I did.
- START -> Run
- Type in:
FSUTIL behavior set disablelastaccess 1
5.3)
By default, Windows 2000/XP log the I/O traffic of your hard drive. While this is a very useful setting for servers, for workstations it doesn't do anything except use up system resources.
To disable it, go to the run menu and type
diskperf -n
Hit Enter to disable this logging.
5.4) Disable Error Reporting
-START-> Right Click on My Computer and select prpoerties
-Click the Advanced Tab
-Click the Error Reporting Button
-Choose Disable Error Reporting
5.5) Turn off System Restore
-START-> right Click My Computer and select Properties:
-Click on System Restore tab:
-Choose Turn Off System Restore
5.6) Sound Configuration
-START->Settings->Control Panel->Sounds and Audio Devices
Sounds Tab
-Under Sound Scheme choose "None" and then select "dont save" when prompted.
Audio Tab
- Make sure your soundcard is selected as the default device
Hardware Tab
-Select Audio Codecs then click on Properties (at the bottom)
-Click the Properties Tab
-Find then righclick on Fraunhofer IIS... and choose properties
-Change its priority to 1
-Find then rightclick on Windows Media Audio Codec
-Change its priority to 2
-------------------------------------------------------
6) REGISTRY TWEAKS
WARNING:
Do this only if you are confortable doing so and use caution.
It is smart to backup your registry beforehand.
-START ->Run
-type in: regedit
6.1) Disable Baloon Tips:
Find the key:
Hkey_Current_UserSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrent VersionExplorerAdvanced
If enableballoontips is there set the value to 0
If it doesn't enter it in as a new DWORD and put the value to 0
6.2) Give priority to the Clock IRQ:
Find the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlPriorityControl
Create the DWORD: IRQ8Priority and set its value to 1
6.3) Memory Management
Do this only with 512 or more Ram and only if using Windows XP
Find the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerMemory Management
Create the DWORD: DisablePagingExecutive and set its value to 1
------------------------------------------------------
DEPENDS ON YOUR LAPTOP
- On my laptop, if I press the right SHIFT button for 8 seconds, it brings up a screen. So find out on your laptop if pressing down any particular control keys (SHIFT< ALT< CTRL) for an extended period of time, brings up a screen. If it does, you should be able to disable that from that screen.
- Disable all of the Laptop specific buttons (like MUTE, POWER OFF, HELP, etc...)
Usually they should be disabled if you unchecked all your start up programs like I mentioned earlier. If the are still active, refer to your user's manual)
---------------------------------------------------
POWER OPTIONS (to avoid surprises)
-START -> Settings-> Control Panel-> Power Options
Power Schemes Tab:
-Choose: Turn off Hard Disk: NEVER under both Plugged in and Batteries
Hibernate Tab:
-UNCHECK enable Hibernation
Advanced Tab:
-Choose "Do Nothing" for all three pulldowns
--------------------------------------------
STARTING UP VIRTUAL DJ
-If using Echo Indigo DJ, double-click the Indigo Program in the tray. Then Close that window (you need to do that, for the sound card to work at full volume for some reason)
- Start Virtual DJ
- Minimize Virtual DJ
- Press CTRL-ALT-DELETE
- Under the Process Tab, find VirtualDJ.
- Right Click on it then choose "Set-Priority" and set it to High
- Ignore the warning message
- DO NOT SET IT TO REAL TIME (DO NOT DO IT)
- Close that window and return to Virtual DJ
-------------------------------------------------
COMMON SENSE
- Check the bugs forum for known VDJ bugs that can crash the system
- Always backup these 2 files on a regular basis:
shortcus.xml
VirtualDJDatabase.xml
--------------------------------------------------
VDJ Settings:
General Tab
-Security: Ask
-AutoUpdate: Disabled
-Charts: Disabled
-MaxLoad: Set it so that it is higher than your longest song. so if your longest song is 14 min, set it to 15 min.
FAME settings tab
-Auto Gain: Always 0DB
-Crossfader: Full (bass has more kick to it)
- Limiter: Disabled (there is a bug with limiter and some MP3s)
- Time Stretch: Disabled (it just sounds bad)
SKINS:
-Perosnally, I recommend the Mix Station SV_04 Titanium
------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERING FILES
To get files from your PC to your laptop you can:
- Use an external drive
- Use a CD
- Setup a local network connection (MAKE SURE your pc is DISCONNECTED FROM THE WEB and HAS NO VIRUSES before connecting it to your laptop). You can then use the following program to transfer files: filesync, which you can get at the fileware website:
http://www.fileware.com/ (free to use, 15$ to register)
My friend set up my local network (didnt seem to tough) but I do remember this: when setting up a local network connection, both your PC's workgroup and your laptop's workgroup need to have the same name.
If I think of anything else I'll post it.
If anyone has other suggestions, feel free to add them :-)
Raz.
P.S: If you only do one thing from this guide, REMOVE NORTON FROM YOUR SYSTEM!!! (and call your laptop vendor and complain about them installing Norton on it!)
P.P.S.:For you regular PC (you dont need it on your laptop), if you need a good antivirus that won't eat your machine, try:
AVG antivirus
that you can get at: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php
-----------------------------------------------------------
HARDWARE GUIDE
If you havent bought a laptop yet and you're basing your decision on cost, don't. Yes, a laptop is expensive. But if you're going to invest into it, might as well go all the way.
Afterall, if it ends up costing you and extra 800-1000$ to have a better and more stable system, well it's money you'll make back in 2-3 gigs. So it's well worth it, especially since the laptop will last you 3-5 years.
So I recommend:
-IBM T40 or better series
-1 Gig of Ram - for 250$ more, it's more than worth it.
-Echo Indigo DJ soundcard
-80 gigs or more of disk space (I regret my mistake of going with 40, which with everything installed and IBM backup files, is more like 27)
IBM also offers a great warranty, for about 200$...
If your laptop gets damaged (via defective parts, or even via accident, like spilling a drink all over it) they will show up on site the very next day to fix it for you.
One more selling point for IBM... they have all of the initial setup backed up on a hidden partition. So if you totally mess up your settings, you can reset the whole thing from scratch at the touch of a button. (though all your data will be wiped out; but it's good to know that you can always come back to square one without having to read manuals or call tech support)
Also, once you get your laptop, you'll want to get a keyboard protector.
I bought mine here: http://www.protectcovers.com/
They cost less than 20$ (with S/H) and they protect your laptop from drink spills, smoke, sweat, dust, etc...
Well worth it. (just don't get the screen protector)
You tell them your model and they'll send you the approriate protector.
--------------------------------------------------------
CONFIGURING WINDOWS
First a few notes:
I) I am using Service Pack 1. I have no plans of upgrading to service pack 2. So this guide is only valid for SP 1.
II) I strongly recommend dedicating your laptop to VDJ.
Never connect your machine to the web and never install antying else on it. The peace of mind it will bring you will be reward enough.
Ok on with the configuration:
0) NEVER connect your machine to the internet. I cant stress that enough. Windows is just so bad at network security, it's not worth getting a Worm on your system and finding out about it while running VDJ during a gig.
1) Disable Wireless Access.
- START BUTTON then Right click on My Computer and chose Properties
- Click on the Hardware Tab
- Click On Device Manager
- Under Network Adapters, find the one that says "wireless", right click on it and choose disable.
2) Disable then remove all things Norton if any are installed (and any other anti-virus)
- Right click on the Norton icon in your tray (bottom right)
- Choose disable / close
- Then click on START->SETTINGS->ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS and uninstall anything named Norton and any anti-virus.
3) Disable all start up programs:
- Click on START -> RUN
- Type in: msconfig.exe and click OK
- Click on the "Startup" tab.
- Uncheck everything that does not impact you running VDJ. (personally I have everything unchecked except "Launch", which is the Echo Indigo DJ config program that you need to have on)
- NOTE: you will see a "Services" tab also. DO NOT CHANGE ANY OF THE SERVICES via this tab. I'll get to them later.
- Once you unchecked everything you dont need, click OK then restart your system. When you reboot you might get a message saying it changed. Just check the checkbox and click OK.
4) Disabling Services
You'll want to disable all services that are not absolutely needed to run VDJ,
I only have 5 services running (and 4 others when I need to connect my laptop to my PC for local file transfers)
A good guide on window services is:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/Archive/service411.htm
(it's for SP1. There is another one on the site for SP2)
To disable services:
-Click on START -> Run
-Type in: services.msc
-Set to DISABLE everything you don't need, (though some you will need to set to manual) (do that by rightclicking a service, then choose properties, then chose, disable/manual/automatic)
Here is my setup:
AUTOMATIC
-Event Log
-Plug And Play
-Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
-Windows Audio
-Windows Management Instrumentation
and for networking purposes:
-DHCP Client
-Network Connections
-Server
-Workstation
MANUAL:
-Cryptographic Services (if when updating drivers you get errors, set this one back to automatic.)
-Application Management
-Help and Support
DISABLED:
-System Restore - MAKE SURE TO TURN THIS ONE OFF
-Indexing Service - MAKE SURE TO TURN THIS ONE OFF
-Task Manager
-Windows Update
All others, follow the guide in the link I posted, and chose whether you want them Manual or Disabled.
When done, close window and reboot.
If ever you install new software, you might wanna recheck that list. Some services tend to reset themselves back to automatic when you do changes to the system.
5) Other tweaks
5.1)
- START BUTTON then Right Click My Computer
- Chose properties
- Go to Advanced Tab
- under Performance click Settings
- In Visual Effects tab, choose: "Adjust for best performance"
- In Advanced Tab
- Udner processor scheduling: Check Programs
- Under Memory Usage: Check Programs
- Under Virtual Memory: Click Change
Then set the Initial and Max size to:
512 - If you have 256 MB of RAM
384 - If you have 512 MB of RAM or More
5.2) Disable Timestamping of files (which is done each time a program reads or writes to a file.) Up to you if you want to follow this tweak; I did.
- START -> Run
- Type in:
FSUTIL behavior set disablelastaccess 1
5.3)
By default, Windows 2000/XP log the I/O traffic of your hard drive. While this is a very useful setting for servers, for workstations it doesn't do anything except use up system resources.
To disable it, go to the run menu and type
diskperf -n
Hit Enter to disable this logging.
5.4) Disable Error Reporting
-START-> Right Click on My Computer and select prpoerties
-Click the Advanced Tab
-Click the Error Reporting Button
-Choose Disable Error Reporting
5.5) Turn off System Restore
-START-> right Click My Computer and select Properties:
-Click on System Restore tab:
-Choose Turn Off System Restore
5.6) Sound Configuration
-START->Settings->Control Panel->Sounds and Audio Devices
Sounds Tab
-Under Sound Scheme choose "None" and then select "dont save" when prompted.
Audio Tab
- Make sure your soundcard is selected as the default device
Hardware Tab
-Select Audio Codecs then click on Properties (at the bottom)
-Click the Properties Tab
-Find then righclick on Fraunhofer IIS... and choose properties
-Change its priority to 1
-Find then rightclick on Windows Media Audio Codec
-Change its priority to 2
-------------------------------------------------------
6) REGISTRY TWEAKS
WARNING:
Do this only if you are confortable doing so and use caution.
It is smart to backup your registry beforehand.
-START ->Run
-type in: regedit
6.1) Disable Baloon Tips:
Find the key:
Hkey_Current_UserSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrent VersionExplorerAdvanced
If enableballoontips is there set the value to 0
If it doesn't enter it in as a new DWORD and put the value to 0
6.2) Give priority to the Clock IRQ:
Find the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlPriorityControl
Create the DWORD: IRQ8Priority and set its value to 1
6.3) Memory Management
Do this only with 512 or more Ram and only if using Windows XP
Find the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerMemory Management
Create the DWORD: DisablePagingExecutive and set its value to 1
------------------------------------------------------
DEPENDS ON YOUR LAPTOP
- On my laptop, if I press the right SHIFT button for 8 seconds, it brings up a screen. So find out on your laptop if pressing down any particular control keys (SHIFT< ALT< CTRL) for an extended period of time, brings up a screen. If it does, you should be able to disable that from that screen.
- Disable all of the Laptop specific buttons (like MUTE, POWER OFF, HELP, etc...)
Usually they should be disabled if you unchecked all your start up programs like I mentioned earlier. If the are still active, refer to your user's manual)
---------------------------------------------------
POWER OPTIONS (to avoid surprises)
-START -> Settings-> Control Panel-> Power Options
Power Schemes Tab:
-Choose: Turn off Hard Disk: NEVER under both Plugged in and Batteries
Hibernate Tab:
-UNCHECK enable Hibernation
Advanced Tab:
-Choose "Do Nothing" for all three pulldowns
--------------------------------------------
STARTING UP VIRTUAL DJ
-If using Echo Indigo DJ, double-click the Indigo Program in the tray. Then Close that window (you need to do that, for the sound card to work at full volume for some reason)
- Start Virtual DJ
- Minimize Virtual DJ
- Press CTRL-ALT-DELETE
- Under the Process Tab, find VirtualDJ.
- Right Click on it then choose "Set-Priority" and set it to High
- Ignore the warning message
- DO NOT SET IT TO REAL TIME (DO NOT DO IT)
- Close that window and return to Virtual DJ
-------------------------------------------------
COMMON SENSE
- Check the bugs forum for known VDJ bugs that can crash the system
- Always backup these 2 files on a regular basis:
shortcus.xml
VirtualDJDatabase.xml
--------------------------------------------------
VDJ Settings:
General Tab
-Security: Ask
-AutoUpdate: Disabled
-Charts: Disabled
-MaxLoad: Set it so that it is higher than your longest song. so if your longest song is 14 min, set it to 15 min.
FAME settings tab
-Auto Gain: Always 0DB
-Crossfader: Full (bass has more kick to it)
- Limiter: Disabled (there is a bug with limiter and some MP3s)
- Time Stretch: Disabled (it just sounds bad)
SKINS:
-Perosnally, I recommend the Mix Station SV_04 Titanium
------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERING FILES
To get files from your PC to your laptop you can:
- Use an external drive
- Use a CD
- Setup a local network connection (MAKE SURE your pc is DISCONNECTED FROM THE WEB and HAS NO VIRUSES before connecting it to your laptop). You can then use the following program to transfer files: filesync, which you can get at the fileware website:
http://www.fileware.com/ (free to use, 15$ to register)
My friend set up my local network (didnt seem to tough) but I do remember this: when setting up a local network connection, both your PC's workgroup and your laptop's workgroup need to have the same name.
If I think of anything else I'll post it.
If anyone has other suggestions, feel free to add them :-)
Raz.
P.S: If you only do one thing from this guide, REMOVE NORTON FROM YOUR SYSTEM!!! (and call your laptop vendor and complain about them installing Norton on it!)
P.P.S.:For you regular PC (you dont need it on your laptop), if you need a good antivirus that won't eat your machine, try:
AVG antivirus
that you can get at: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php
Posted Wed 17 Nov 04 @ 7:33 am